Summary
- Took a road trip in Arizona and New Mexico in 2019 in a Nissan LEAF
- Faced challenges with charging stations and overheating battery
- Learned about EV trip planning and importance of liquid battery cooling
- Today, trip would be easier with improved charging infrastructure and a better EV
- Upgrade included getting rid of the LEAF, getting a Bolt EUV with consistent fast charging, and better charging infrastructure.
Article
In 2019, the author embarked on a challenging road trip in Arizona and New Mexico in a Nissan LEAF with limited charging opportunities. The trip involved visits to various locations such as Petrified Forest National Park, Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and more. The journey was filled with charging challenges, overheating issues, and the need for strategic planning to ensure the vehicle could reach its destination. Despite the obstacles, the author learned valuable lessons about EV trip planning, the importance of liquid battery cooling, and the need for extra time to account for unexpected delays.
The journey was marked by frequent stops at charging stations, careful driving to conserve battery power, and struggles to find adequate charging infrastructure. The author faced challenges with battery overheating, slow charging rates, and the need to adjust plans based on the vehicle’s limitations. The trip took longer than anticipated, highlighting the complexities of long-distance travel in an EV without proper charging infrastructure. Despite the challenges, the author was able to navigate the trip, visit key locations, and ultimately complete the journey with lessons learned about EV road trips.
Since the 2019 journey, significant improvements have been made to the charging infrastructure and EV technology. The author no longer owns the Nissan LEAF and has switched to a Chevy Bolt EUV, which offers more consistent and reliable charging capabilities. The improvements in fast charging technology have made it easier to recharge the vehicle quickly and efficiently, reducing the time spent waiting at charging stations. The overall charging infrastructure has expanded, making it easier for EV drivers to access charging stations and complete long-distance trips without significant delays or challenges.
The author reflects on the differences between the 2019 road trip experience and the current state of EV travel, noting the drastic improvements in charging infrastructure and technology. The availability of fast charging stations, consistent charging rates, and improved range capabilities have made it easier for EV drivers to plan and execute long-distance trips with confidence. The author acknowledges the importance of ongoing support for clean technology coverage and encourages readers to contribute to the cleantech revolution by supporting independent cleantech journalism.
In conclusion, the author’s experience of navigating a challenging road trip in an EV in 2019 highlights the importance of adequate charging infrastructure, careful planning, and awareness of the limitations of EV technology. The journey was filled with obstacles, including battery overheating, slow charging rates, and the need for strategic adjustments to reach charging stations. However, the advancements in EV technology and charging infrastructure since then have significantly improved the experience of long-distance EV travel, making it more accessible and efficient for drivers. The author’s journey serves as a testament to the evolution of EV travel and the ongoing progress in the cleantech industry.
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